This year, (1840) The Etonians sent us a challenge to row them from Westminster to Putney. Although the crew was not so good as it was the last time we were prevented from rowing them, yet we wished for the race. Knowing however, by past experience, that it was useless to attempt the race without Williamson’s consent, Richards, our stroke, went off to obtain it. Being however refused, and two of the crew leaving unexpectedly, we were obliged to send an answer to Eton to say that several reasons (which were mentioned) prevented us from rowing them at the time they mentioned, but offering to do so in our holidays. This however, they declined, and the match was therefore broken off.
The eight was then as follows:
Glyn QS
Prout QS
Byron TB
Curteis TB
Hodgson TB
Beasley TB
Greenlaw QS
Richards QS stroke
Osborn TB Steerer
M.F. Osborn
Prin Opp